African Union’s PSC calls for commitment to the South Sudan peace

ETHIOPIA: THE African Union Peace and Security Council (PSC) has reaffirmed the AU’s and partners’ commitment to the South Sudan peace process and to chart practical pathways for renewed dialogue and confidence-building.

Chairman of the PSC for the month of June, Tanzania’s Permanent Representative of to the African Union (AU), Mr Innocent Shiyo reiterated the collective responsibility of the Peace and Security Council and all stakeholders to protect the achievements of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (RARCSS).

Mr Shiyo who doubles as Ambassador to Ethiopia called on the parties to continue mobilizing decisive, coordinated, and sustained efforts toward sustainable peace, democratic governance, and development in South Sudan.

The Chairperson emphasized that while progress has been made, the comprehensive implementation of the Agreement remains hindered by persistent political disagreements and security challenges.

He stressed that the African Union, in close partnership with the Panel of the Wise, AUMISS, IGAD, and the United Nations, has engaged in sustained diplomatic efforts to rebuild trust and promote dialogue, underscoring the continent’s unwavering commitment to South Sudan’s peace process.

“I extend our sincere appreciation to our invited guests for their presence and continued commitment to the maintenance of peace, security, and stability across our continent. Today, we are gathered to deliberate on a matter of critical importance, the evolving situation in the Republic of South.

“I wish to take this opportunity to convey our profound appreciation to the African Union Mission in South Sudan, the esteemed Panel of the Wise, and our valued partners from IGAD, the United Nations, and the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC),” he said.

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He said that their steadfast commitment, continued engagement, and tireless efforts remain instrumental in advancing the implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS), and in supporting the broader quest for sustainable peace, security, and stability in South Sudan.

Ambassador Shiyo called upon the leadership of South Sudan to demonstrate renewed and demonstrable commitment to the full and faithful implementation of the R-ARCSS, the most legitimate and inclusive framework for advancing national reconciliation, democratic transition, and sustainable peace.

Ambassador Shiyo underscored the critical importance of the meeting, convened at a moment marked by growing concerns over the political and security dynamics in South Sudan.

He highlighted the regrettable recent escalation of violence, particularly in Nasir and surrounding areas in Upper Nile, Jonglei, and Unity States, which threatens to unravel the fragile gains achieved under the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS).

These developments, including the tragic loss of life and mass displacement of civilians, pose serious challenges to lasting peace and stability. In his opening statement Ambassador Shiyo warmly welcomed all members of the Council, esteemed representatives from the Republic of South Sudan, the African Union Commission, the IGAD Secretariat, the United Nations, and the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC).

The Ambassador said that while the country has enjoyed relative calm in recent years, recent developments particularly the regrettable incidents in Nasir and the subsequent escalations in the Upper Nile, Jonglei and Unity States have raised serious alarm.

“The tragic loss of life, the displacement of civilians, and the deteriorating inter-party relations pose a direct threat to the hard-won gains achieved thus far.

“It is therefore incumbent upon all stakeholders to redouble efforts aimed at fostering inclusive political dialogue, as a means to consolidate and sustain the foundational progress made under the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan and to safeguard the fragile peace and stability attained,” Ambassador Shiyo said.

He extended sincere appreciation to all invited guests for their continued commitment to peace, security, and stability in Africa.

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The PSC had convened its 1283rd meeting to receive and deliberate on a comprehensive update regarding the evolving situation in the Republic of South Sudan.

The meeting received an updated briefing on the situation in South Sudan, including security situation, political developments, and implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).

The meeting deliberated on collective measures to support sustainable peace, national reconciliation, and democratic transition as well as reaffirmed the AU’s and partners’ commitment to the South Sudan peace process and to chart practical pathways for renewed dialogue and confidence-building.

The Council members expressed deep concern over the resurgence of tensions and erosion of trust among key stakeholders, urging all parties to recommit unequivocally to cease hostilities and engage in constructive dialogue.

The Council strongly condemned violations of the ceasefire and human rights abuses, including the detention of political leaders and targeted attacks on civilians. In line with the Chairperson’s remarks, the Council highlighted the urgent need to safeguard the integrity of the peace agreement by ensuring the immediate release and reinstatement of political detainees, which is vital to restore confidence and momentum in the transitional process.

Council members reaffirmed support for the revitalization of transitional institutions, notably the National Elections Commission, the National Constitutional Review Commission, and the Political Parties Council, emphasizing their critical role in preparing for the December 2026 elections.

The importance of resource mobilization and international assistance was also underscored to ensure these institutions operate effectively. The Council renewed its call for the deployment of the Necessary Unified Forces to enhance civilian protection, and advocated for the lifting of the arms embargo to facilitate security sector reform and consolidate peace.

The PSC expressed profound appreciation to regional and international partners, including IGAD, the United Nations, RJMEC, the Troika, and the AU High-Level Ad Hoc Committee for South Sudan, for their sustained support and collaboration.

The Council welcomed the recent AU-IGAD solidarity mission led by the Chairperson of the AU Commission and urged continued high-level political engagement with South Sudanese leadership.

Special acknowledgments were made for the exemplary leadership of H.E. Ambassador Professor Joram Mukama Biswaro, Special Representative of the Chairperson of the AU Commission for South Sudan, for his dedication in advancing the AU’s peace and stability agenda on the ground.

In closing, Ambassador Shiyo reiterated the collective responsibility of the Peace and Security Council and all stakeholders to protect the achievements of the R-ARCSS, and to continue mobilizing decisive, coordinated, and sustained efforts toward sustainable peace, democratic governance, and development in South Sudan.

The Council resolved to remain actively seized of the matter, emphasizing that the aspirations and resilience of the South Sudanese people must continue to guide the continent’s peace efforts, reaffirming the AU’s unwavering solidarity with the people and government of South Sudan.